importunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "importunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe persistent and often annoying requests or demands for something. Example: "Despite her importunity, he remained firm in his decision not to lend her any money."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Worse still, Edward falls so under the tyranny of his passion that he uses his great authority over the earl of Warwick to suggest that he prevail upon his daughter to give in to royal importunity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In every case, as in the Greek plays, the destructive forces seem to combine inner inadequacies or evils, such as Lear's temper or Macbeth's ambition, with external pressures, such as Lear's "tiger daughters," the witches in Macbeth, or Lady Macbeth's importunity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The situations generally involved fatherly importunity or condescension.

The New Yorker

That, in part, may be why she sought out Higginson, and why he kept his distance, despite her importunity, confessing to his wife after the first of his two visits to Amherst, in 1870, "I never was with any one who drained my nerve power so much.

The New Yorker

A woman will find that mere motherhood will win an eternity of importunity, since as Sir Thomas Browne himself observed "Mummy is become merchandise".

The New Yorker

His comments were widely interpreted as a warning to Zardari not to submit to the American importunity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

That Breuer took Anna's sexual feelings toward him personally, whereas Freud discovered transference as a result of the importunities of his importuning patient is the difference between ordinary intellect and genius.

The New Yorker

Without the "right to be left alone", to shut out on occasion the prying eyes and importunities of both government and society, other political and civil liberties seem fragile.

The Economist

His reputed miracle-working generated popular veneration to such a degree that, about 420, to escape the importunities of the people, he began his pillar life northwest of Aleppo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To spare herself their importunities she insists that they wait until she has woven a shroud for Laertes, father of Odysseus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our involvement, we realize, would not be possible without the dangerous importunities committed by TV cameramen in 1972.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "importunity" when you want to convey a sense of persistent and possibly unwelcome demanding or urging. It often implies a degree of inappropriateness or unreasonableness in the persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "importunity" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a rather formal and somewhat archaic term, and simpler words like "persistence" or "demands" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "importunity" is as a noun. Ludwig indicates that it refers to a persistent request or demand, often to the point of being annoying or troublesome. Examples in the Encyclopedia Britannica and The New Yorker illustrate its usage in describing persistent or inappropriate demands.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "importunity" is a noun that describes a persistent and often annoying demanding. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though somewhat formal. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "importunity", consider its formal tone and whether a simpler word might be more appropriate. Common synonyms include "persistent requests" or "insistent demands". Avoid overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent requests

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the requests, highlighting the persistence.

insistent demands

Emphasizes the forceful and unwavering nature of the demands.

unrelenting pressure

Highlights the continuous and unyielding nature of the pressure being applied.

constant badgering

Conveys a sense of annoyance and harassment through repeated requests.

ceaseless nagging

Emphasizes the irritating and continuous nature of the requests.

repeated solicitation

Focuses on the act of repeatedly asking or seeking something.

urgent entreaty

Highlights the urgent and pleading nature of the requests.

dogged persistence

Emphasizes the determined and unwavering nature of the persistence.

determined insistence

Focuses on the firm and resolute nature of the insistence.

constant urging

Highlights the continuous encouragement or pressure to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "importunity" in a sentence?

"Importunity" refers to persistent and often annoying demands. For example: "Despite her importunity, he refused to change his mind."

What's a synonym for "importunity"?

Synonyms for "importunity" include "persistent requests", "insistent demands", and "unrelenting pressure".

Is "importunity" a formal word?

Yes, "importunity" is a relatively formal word. It's more likely to appear in literary or academic contexts than in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "importunity" and "request"?

"Request" is a general term for asking for something. "Importunity" implies a persistent, possibly unwelcome, and sometimes inappropriate quality to the request. It suggests a level of insistence that goes beyond a simple request.